Union workers ratify new 3-year contract

LEWISTON — Union workers at Philips Elmet Corp., a manufacturer of lamp and electronics products, have ratified a three-year contract that provides higher pay and improved fringe benefits.

The 350 production and maintenance workers in Teamsters Local 340 ratified the company’s third offer, Jim Carson, the union’s vice president, said Monday.

The accord approved Sunday gives workers a 40-cent raise in the first two years and a 50-cent raise in the third, as well as improved health and welfare benefits, major pension increases and improvements in vacations. It also includes a plant seniority provision for the first time, Carson said.

Joseph Bousquet, the company’s manager for human resources, said workers had been averaging $9.50 per hour.